Cosplay is a big thing here in Japan. In many places, particularly in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it's common to see some adults wearing different costumes on regular days.
In contrast, in the Philippines, when an adult wears a costume, people might think that person is strange. Because of this, I've never experienced wearing costumes, even on Halloween day. Besides, Halloween is not really a big thing in my country.
So, on my first Halloween here in Japan, I did what I had to do. I went to Tokyo Disneyland and dressed up as a Disney princess.
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland is part of my bucket list. I grew up watching movies and reading books about Disney princesses. Coming to this place during the Halloween season made it more magical.
Of course, I was nervous. But as I entered that place, I saw hundreds (or thousands) of princesses. It was overwhelming.
This year I was Belle. I bought my costume on Rakuten. For my hair and makeup, I did my best to be a decent princess.
In the following year, I was my favorite Disney princess, Jasmine. I also bought my costume on Rakuten and did my makeup by myself. For the hair, I had to buy a Jasmine wig.
This time, I went to Disney Sea because Agrabah is there. And to my luck, I met the *real* princess Jasmine. I was princess struck! I could talk and hold hands with her for a short time. It was very memorable.
After those two Halloweens at Tokyo Disneyland, I tried dressing up other Disney princesses like Ariel and Ana, but only in school. I teach young kids, and every Halloween party, we would dress up as princesses.
This experience has taught me that whenever you want to try something new, just do it. The outcome might be bad, but it can also be good. Trying to cosplay when I didn't have any experience in cosplaying was a challenge.
We must learn how to go out of our comfort zone and make lots and lots of memories.
Which character would you want to be?
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